1994 Toyota Hilux Surf: My First Right Hand Drive Experience

[@mickeydee3595]

My dad had one of these here in Australia around the late 90s. He absolutely loved it

[@Carsideration]

I follow a few social media people that live down there and I see them all the time I feel like.

[@mickeydee3595]

@@Carsideration They are rare as tits on a bull here now. Theyve all been flogged and written off. My dad and uncle both bought one each at the same time off the boat from Japan. Dads one I got no idea what happened to it but my uncles one was immaculate when he sold it and it was pretty much turned into a bush slammer. Rolled a few times and all.. Its a shame Id love to get my hands on one in top nick but dont think they exist anymore lol

[@Carsideration]

@@mickeydee3595 Dang! Maybe I am seeing something different then haha Its funny, after I did this review I feel like I have seen a few when I travel the country for work.

[@karlmnz]

I love that you guys are discovering my truck, Ive had mine for just over 10 years, same ish spec, mine is the SSRG with the recarro fishnets and 33"s and I love it. Not a daily driver but gets used every week for sure and its a blast. Suits our roads here in NZ

[@Carsideration]

I loved this thing so much I considered buying it as a daily driver. I ended up not buying it because the winters here in Michigan would have destroyed it and I would have felt terrible to ruin such a cool vehicle we simply do not see here in the states.

[@oakyg8414]

I'm looking to buy a Surf sometime soon hopefully. easily my dream car who wants something flashy when theres this

[@TndPnyRCofficial]

I’m literally listening to this while I’m in my 1995 (2gen) 4Runner

[@Carsideration]

I love it! Thanks watching…..or in your case listening. 🤙🤣

[@TndPnyRCofficial]

That’s right. Plus you got the 3.0 that we didn’t get here at all. Cuz our 3.0s blew head gaskets 🤣🤣🤣

[@Carsideration]

@@TndPnyRCofficial I never knew that. Yeah, reviewing this made me want one. I actually saw one for sale on a business trip two weeks ago. I almost stopped to look at it but I did not have time.

[@TndPnyRCofficial]

@@Carsideration yea the 3.0 V6 (model name: 3VZE) was known to have head gasket issues. I’ve never had a problem with one. But ever since I owned my 2gen 4Runner, part of me wants a Surf

[@Carsideration]

@@TndPnyRCofficial I never knew I would want one but man, something about driving a right hand drive 4Runner is amazing!

[@benmilhouse5148]

Awesome review of this car! I love the enthusiasm. I was going to look at one for sale today, and wanted to know more about them. I had no idea they could soften their suspension! That's awesome!

[@Carsideration]

Thanks dude! I fully support you buying one haha I was not expecting to enjoy it as much as I did! Thanks watching and commenting.

[@kevinhill5531]

Great Review, I'm considering importing one

[@Carsideration]

Thank you for watching! I don't think you'd regret it. I loved this thing.

[@Rhyainn]

Great video! Just ordered one of these things for my mail route. I’ve been binging every Surf vid on yt while waiting for it to be delivered lol. They’re so cool!

[@Carsideration]

Thank you so much for watching! They are great vehicles. I loved it.

[@adrianfabian79]

im in the uk i have a 91 hiluxsurfer import and love it ..loved this review

[@Carsideration]

I love it!! 😎😎 thanks for watching!

[@65johu]

Going to look at a 94 Surf tomorrow for my mail route. Only 42,000 miles on it.

[@Carsideration]

That is awesome! I think this one is going to come up for sale this spring possibly.

[@termenator642]

Hey John, do you happen to live in central Illinois?

[@65johu]

@@termenator642 Eastern Iowa

[@345detailing4]

Just bought a 1995 2nd gen with the 1KZ-TE as my new daily driver. Absolutely love it. Parts are very affordable and easy to get from places like Amayama (all OEM). They’re tanks and like you said everything is so mechanical. Even taking apart the dash to put in a new head unit. Literally a few screws and bolts. This is the way cars and trucks SHOULD be made.

[@Carsideration]

@@345detailing4 the older I get the more I appreciate the ease of working on older vehicles. I’m highly considering one as a daily driver when i get a new DD. That is awesome.

[@RockX_Chris]

Great vid! I love 4runners! U should make one ur new daily

[@Carsideration]

I almost bought this one a few months after I filmed it. I just didn't want the Michigan winters to rust it out in three years. I would feel terrible if I did that. It deserves to be driven.....just not daily in the winter here haha

[@RockX_Chris]

@@Carsideration if u take care of it it wouldn’t rust too bad. Living in the northeast, my mom got a 2002 4runner brand new off the showroom floor. She took very good care of it & kept it all the way until 2015. When it was parked on the side of our street & got hit, totaling it 😢

[@Carsideration]

@@RockX_Chris I see some old cars running around that look great. Then I see a 2014 Fiesta ST at work and the wheel wells are already rusting out and I think "how!?"

[@zumezoom9593]

I've been looking into buying the surf for the past couple of weeks. JDM all the way

[@Carsideration]

I 100% support you in your buying decision haha Something about right hand drive just makes it that much cooler.

[@ASMRaphael]

Great content! :) I learned so much thanks to your video! :)

[@Carsideration]

Thank you for watching and the feedback. I appreciate it 😎

[@thetartanwesty]

I have a 3rd gen Surf 3 litre turbo diesel manual transmission ssrx JDM import in the UK which I will be selling soon a very rare beast. Love it but with a family now moving on to a 2006 Alphard 3litre vvti 4wd 😉

[@Carsideration]

I just had to look up what that is haha. Moving to the van life I see!

[@tompuckett9937]

I believe your 4 runner is a third or even fourth generation. Toyota imported the SR5 pickups from 1982-1984 with a diesel engine. It was a non-turbocharged engine. It was really really slow but would return 41 mpg all day long. The only problem was Toyota used the standard 5 speed trans which was not up to the torque the engine developed. Any hill on the highway you had to be in 3rd gear. But, it was a great vehicle as long as your weren’t in a hurry.

[@noname-eu7mi]

I have been looking at these... and I want one!

[@Carsideration]

Go to duncanimports.com they have a clean one for sale right now!

[@noname-eu7mi]

@@Carsideration I know... I have seen them on there site before

[@jasonblanzy]

Awesome video! I'm hoping to buy one of these one day! I used to drive a Hilux when I lived in Jordan. Probably the best vehicle.

[@Carsideration]

Thank you for watching! What I love most is that this video in-particular seems to get more views from around the world. I loved this vehicle, it is just not something we see often here in the states.

[@jasonblanzy]

I just met the owner and went for a test drive. So amazing. I also kept confusing the wipers for the blinker haha. Such a smooth ride for such an old vehicle and it even has some good power for a 4cyl. Good luck with your channel! I’m subscribed and hope to see more vintage off-road Toyota’s on your channel. If you’re interested in doing a review for a ‘98 Volvo S90 let me know!

[@Carsideration]

@@jasonblanzy I appreciate it! Trying to get at least two videos a month as it just for fun and something I enjoy doing. That is awesome, I just had 22 S60 for a rental for a week. I am a huge Volvo fan!

[@rauendoza3599]

I have a SSR-G Hilux surf turbo Diesel in the USA. Top mount intercooler. I really like it.

[@Carsideration]

That is awesome! Have you had any heat soak issues with it?

[@rauendoza3599]

@@Carsideration No it's still cold here in the Northwest Washington. But in the summer it most definitely will. I want to do a front mount intercooler set up. And a better radiator. Also a better fan will help.

[@Carsideration]

@@rauendoza3599 Ahh ok. I just remember when I was looking at WRX/STI's it was always something brought up on the forums. I LOVED this thing, and now I really want one as summer cruiser haha I need to build a bigger garage.

[@rauendoza3599]

@@Carsideration If you lived closer to me, I would let you review mine. It is a 1996 model. It is a joy to drive.

[@Carsideration]

@@rauendoza3599 I would 100% be down if I were closer haha

[@dawsonmarch8979]

looks like this one was missing it, but I'm sure you would have flipped if you had seen it, All surfs came with a little red flare with Japanese writing all over it in the passenger footwell. Mine's still got the jaflare heheh

[@Carsideration]

The owner told me about it but I think he took it out just incase it was ever stolen because he thought it was so cool. I definitely would have been stoked to show that!

[@mitchmfwhited998]

Funny enough, I brought the same one over from England to Florida about a month ago. Lifted on 33's. But same year and paint code

[@Carsideration]

That is awesome! Was it hard to get over here or was it fairly easy since it is over 25 years old? I've been wanting to try and get a MK2 Focus RS from Europe in a few more years. I met a guy in TX that said he could get me one on the show and display thing? He said it would be pretty easy.

[@mitchmfwhited998]

@@Carsideration Its not hard at all. Just do your research, and good luck. The whole process was nerv racking. But a blast at the same time. Good luck

[@Carsideration]

@@mitchmfwhited998 Thanks dude!!

[@calebwhite1454]

Toyota doesn’t have a “built tough”-like motto because the vehicles speak for themselves

[@Carsideration]

This is so true. Everyone knows how reliable they are. No matter the year it seems.

[@frankgonzalez3041]

You should do the Prado next

[@Carsideration]

I can try to get my hands and a Land Cruiser here in the US.

[@karlcraig7214]

929 you are getting close 👍

[@Carsideration]

Sooo close it’s killing me haha I’m just uploading shorts since I don’t have any new vehicles lined up for 2023 yet. The shorts are more fun to make then I thought.

[@PsychAlert]

Great review 👍🏻 I found one with 2.4turbo diesel engine 1991. Someone imported to Pakistan from the UK in late 90s. It’s ssr limited & looks amazing. I drove it and found it very slow. Especially when going up on steep road it doesn’t go more than 45 Kmph. What about the one you’re driving? Was it fast?

[@Carsideration]

That is awesome! Yeah, this was not fast by any means. It did not feel like it struggled to get up to speed but I could see it being difficult to keep up to highway speeds on a short on ramp.

[@copingtogether3819]

Hey, you need to do a video on that AWESOME Jeep liberty!

[@Carsideration]

hahaha, I might need a seat cover before I do that one.

[@Kathymuir]

Awesome review. Although I have a Surf 1996 3 liter SSR-X, I like to see prior models to see just what’s changed. If you’ve any tips on where to buy a fender wing mirror, please let me know. I’m now going to follow you on Instagram. Thanks for a brilliant review!

[@Carsideration]

Thank you so much for watching and the follow! I'll see if I can find anything for you when I get some free time.

[@mauri3591]

I wonder if you can change the turn signal to the other side by just switching it with a USA 4runner

[@Carsideration]

That is a great question. I'm sure it could work.

[@frankothetank7742]

Getting mines this week from Japan.. I got the diesel limited

[@alialbahar]

How was the process of doing that? Where would I start?

[@luxembourgtbonbon4376]

Helping one to another !. Is it a shift stick , I am likely have a great appreciation for manual transmission !..

[@Carsideration]

Manual transmissions are the best. I love them.

[@chrinho_HD]

I'm here just to check a 30 year old truck, yeah i love this truck, they dont allow those cars anymore in kenya i would kill for that truck

[@Carsideration]

What!? Why don’t they allow them in Kenya anymore??

[@chrinho_HD]

@@Carsideration you cant get a carmore than 8 years old

[@762BattleRifle]

Apologies if I missed but how much are these going for in the states?

[@Carsideration]

I don't think I covered the pricing. My GUESS would be between 10-25K depending how good of shape it is. I could be way off on that as well.

[@chrislecouteur2360]

Great review.... hope you brought it .... if you change the oil every year and coolant .... it will see you until your death bed .... watch Top gear UK Toyota hilux ..... lol

[@Carsideration]

I might buy one in the future but you are right! That has to be one of the BEST Top Gear episodes ever. Thanks for watching!

[@juanfabriel]

Great video, are you from Vermont? I feel I have seen that truck before🤔🤔

[@Carsideration]

I am not. I live in Southwest Michigan. I'm sure there has to be on running around in VT though!

[@DJGeekWolf]

Great review! Does this Hilux come with cruise control?

[@Carsideration]

Thank you! From what I remember I did not see cruise control but I think it was an option so some MIGHT have it....but I could be wrong.

[@jimc12]

No, I have a 94 4runner. The cruise is located on the steering wheel. It didn't have it.

[@SuperApeFight]

Mine does ('93, SSR-G)

[@neptuneblood6916]

idle switch is there to power up winchs flood lights and any other add on that needs power its so theres revs to power up , when you flush the coolant and burp it to get the engine warm you have to rev it above the high idle or it will take for years to warm up , also carnt hear your fan in the engine bay you should hear it whoosh sevice it with silicone oil use 10000 cst heat is you enemy

[@Carsideration]

I never even thought about the high idle being used for things like that! Good call!

[@rsmittyboss]

Quick question about the electronics of the Hilux. I am contemplating buying an 1989 rhd surf. You said there are no speakers in the doors, so are there any speakers at all? And if so, where are they actually located in the car lol I’m a car enthusiast, however I don’t want to put too much money in basic additives! Thanks again. I’m from Michigan also btw

[@Carsideration]

There was a radio but no door speakers, if I remember correctly. You can easily install door speakers if you'd like. I think there are a few videos of people doing it. I wish I could remember exactly.

[@574surf4]

There are speakers in the dash up front and more speakers in the rear cargo area. They aren't to bad on sound even doing 70 down the highway.

[@Carsideration]

@@574surf4 how did I miss those!? lol

[@574surf4]

@@Carsideration I have no idea I just went down to the garage to check its the two in the front and 4 in the rear haha

[@Carsideration]

@@574surf4 Waiting for the Bronco now! haha

[@kimberlykaufman5420]

What did you think of the automatic transmission? I've been hearing manual is better for these heavy rigs.

[@Carsideration]

The automatic didn’t bother me at all. It shifted great and wasn’t clunky. But with that being said, SAVE THE MANUALS! Go with the manual for sure!

[@VhudziJena]

The Toyota destruction test was first done by Top Gear UK (Clarkson/May/Hammond) Also that Surf is running the KZN 185 3.0 engine which was bullet proof as opposed to the 2.x engine You failed to mention that this particular variant ran a dual battery and coolant system systems that made for extra resilience. Regret selling mine.😭😭

[@Carsideration]

That is all great info! Thank you for sharing. Man, yips just gotta buy another one now haha

[@Dennis-el3sk]

I want one

[@Carsideration]

They are awesome.

[@cutroc350]

Better than anything made today.....That opinion also makes me old. Keep that beauty out of the road salt.

[@Carsideration]

I agree with you! My buddy that owns it said he is going to daily drive it. I was like NOOOO! Keep it away from the salt please! haha

[@StephenwBennett]

I have same one 1996. Can you self clean the air filter with water? or is it only dry vacuum cleaning. hard to come by in short notice.

[@Carsideration]

That is a good question that I do not know the answer to haha

[@theclueguy3388]

Yep their only real downfall is the crash performance which is scary. Dont know what Toyota did in terms of crumple zones if any or collapsing steering wheel but yeah.. unfortunate cause I would love to daily one of these.

[@PrettyGreenMonk]

Proper motor

[@Carsideration]

Wish they were an option here in the states at the time. I guess it doesn't matter anymore haha

[@siman264]

love the submariner

[@Carsideration]

Thank you! Yeah, the Sub is one of the things I’ve never had buyers remorse over and I don’t think I ever will. Hell, it has raised in value over the last three years!

[@markmatthews1569]

2nd gen hilux surf 2.4 or 3.0 Diesel

[@Carsideration]

Oh man, I’m not a complete Surf aficionado but there is something about a diesel that just makes my heart happy 😁

[@4g63_Everything]

I have similar generation LN130 Surf, mines a 1992-93 SSR-G Variant, 2.4 2LTE engine, factory Recaro Enjoy seats, Sunroof, and a rear door mounted spare tire.. But mines clapped already coz its poorly converted to LHD from RHD... regards from Philippines 🇵🇭

[@Carsideration]

Hey thanks for watching!!

[@Jay-mm1kw]

10:15 because of no airbags and shit seatbelts. Car will hold up more than todays car in a crash

[@Carsideration]

They just don’t make them like they used too. Sometimes that is a good thing. Sometimes that is a bad thing haha

[@cholovilchez]

What’s the mpg like on the turbo diesel?

[@Carsideration]

Everything I am seeing is between 12-18mpg. Not as good as I was thinking when I read your question. I think 15mpg is a safe bet/guess haha.

[@Artomoton67]

A guy I was talking to has two 3rd gens (96-02) and he’s seeing 32mpg stock and 25mpg with another one on 33” tires.

[@Carsideration]

@@Artomoton67 That is amazing! I

[@Nicojust439]

What’s your insurance costs like on this

[@Carsideration]

I have no idea since it is not my car lol. I don't think it is very much, especially in Indiana. I would guess under $800 a year considering my Focus RS and my wife's car is at $2,000 a year for both.

[@KiwiPokerPlayer]

I daily a New Zealand new one of these, identical to this one right down to the paint, but a little more English and a bit less Japanese with respect to the stickers, exactly the same in every way otherwise. Only weak point is the rear door.

[@Carsideration]

That is awesome. I 100% plan on getting one when my daily drive takes a crap. I just enjoyed this vehicle so much.

[@KiwiPokerPlayer]

@@Carsideration sweet, can't go wrong with a Surf. If you are looking at this model, it's the KZN130. Have a good look at the rear door, make sure the window goes up and down easily. They get tired after a while and if you can't get the rear window down you can't open the rear tail gate. The next model, KZN185 doesn't have this issue since it has a rear hatch with gas struts.

[@josephmccarthy8153]

That's a blind spot mirror

[@Carsideration]

Can't it be both? lol

[@darciejoughin4896]

#vintage Awesome!

[@Carsideration]

Perfect flower farm vehicle.

[@fishingmontana1564]

Top gear did a 4 part show on trying to kill a toyota truck like 10 years ago

[@Carsideration]

That is by far one of my favorite episodes they ever did!

[@bear3183]

And has it ever run hot?

[@Carsideration]

The owner told me his has ran like a champ with no issues thus far. 👌

[@574surf4]

No its never run anything but perfect! I've put about 10k miles on it since I owned it and it hasn't given me a lick of trouble even when off-roading in it.

[@perth7930]

Hello what rims are those?

[@Carsideration]

That is a good question! Ahh, let me see if I can find out for ya.

[@Carsideration]

So, the wheels are 15 in Berg wheels.

[@perth7930]

@@Carsideration thank you very much mate please review some more old Toyota 4x4 you explain very well and better than most “famous car reviewers”

[@Carsideration]

@@perth7930 thank you! I really appreciate that! I’ll see what else I can get my hands on 😎🤙

[@bear3183]

Who knows how to work on your Surf?

[@Carsideration]

I’m assuming any import/tuner shop could work on. Where I live there are a few and with them being 25+ years old there should be plenty of parts floating around. I did not ask the owner this but I’m assuming he would probably work on it himself since I know he is a do it yourself kinda person.

[@Aldan001]

Ok, if you just get over “JDM RHD cars are cooler and better BS” then just get yourself a 4runner instead for 1/4 of the price. 2nd gen Surf did not get any cool options over US spec 4runners, except for diesel. 4runner with 3.4 swap is way better car the 1KZ Surf. 1KZ is not economical engine it will consume 15L/100 of Diesel just like a 5VZ 3.4. It will be more expensive to fix. 1KZ is slower, it has SPV valve which is nutritious for failing, it is prone to overheating and cracking heads. 2LT 2.4 litter is even slower than 1KZ in fact it is waaaaay slower, then 3.0 that came in US spec 4runner. The only benefit to 2LT is gas milage and you can put mechanical pump on them. So why bother and pay premium for RHD car that is worse in every way the us spec car!? Diesel toyota is not the same is 1.9 VW swaped toyotas. 1.9 has more power the toyota diesel and VW 1.9 is waaay more economical on Diesel. 1.9 VW swaped toyota will get you 29 MPG (8l/100km) 2.4 2TLE will get you 19 MPG on a good day (12l/100km) 1KZte will get you 16 MPG (15l/100km) And I owed all of these trucks. I know what I’m talking about. Just get yourself 3.4 swapped 2nd gen. This is the best of them all

[@Carsideration]

You my friend are a Surf/4Runner savant! Haha I trust your knowledge and therefore agree. In the US, the 4Runner is the best option BUT JDM and RH drive are too cool to pass up at times in my opinion haha

[@DolphinDivingChamp]

shame its automatic

[@Carsideration]

I know....it would have been even more fun if it were a manual.

[@StarChomp]

The older the car gets the shorter the shaken aka the road inspection becomes. One year can become 6 months. That’s a lot of money to be spent. They’re basically giving you two clear options 1. You can either keep wasting money frequently for your beloved car 2. Or take this shit off the road and get a newer car lol Also cabs this size don’t make it easier. Since if you’re in the city, owning something like this is a nightmare to you and people around you. Roads are already narrow as it is, no one needs a big shit like this taking the whole fkn road 😂

[@Carsideration]

This is exactly why I live in the country haha 🐂🐄